Remembering the Great Eddie Mathews

My dad absolutely loved the Milwaukee Braves. Likewise, the Green Bay Packers. He educated me about both of those teams, as well as the Wisconsin Badgers and the Marquette Warriors (now Golden Eagles) at the dinner table. When he talked about the Braves, it often came back to the 1957 season, the year I was born.

When he would talk about the Braves, he talked about the great pitching the team had. Led by Hall of Famer Warren Spahn, as well as 1957 World Series MVP Lew Burdette. Plus, the Braves also had “Bullet” Bob Buhl, as part of that terrific trio. But just like Bambi’s Bombers and Harvey’s Wallbangers with the Milwaukee Brewers, the Milwaukee Braves could really hit. And hit for power. Dad often would talk about Hank Aaron, Joe Adcock, Del Crandall and a third baseman by the name of Eddie Mathews.

In fact, when dad and two of his brothers went to a game at County Stadium once, dad caught a pop up from Mathews in the stands. More on that treasured ball that Eddie signed later.

Mathews started his career with the Braves while they were still in Boston in 1952. No. 41 had a decent rookie year, as he hit 25 homers and drove in 58 runs. That being said, Mathews only hit .242 and struck out twice as many times as he walked. The batting average stat, as well as the strikeout to walk ratio would change when the Braves moved to Milwaukee in 1953. And yes, so would the home run and RBI totals.

In fact, from 1953 through 1961, Mathews averaged 38 homers per season, plus drove in an average of 104 runs per year. In addition to that, Eddie on average hit .287 over those nine seasons. Plus, Mathews averaged 97 walks per season over that time, compared to 86 strikeouts per year.

Four times Mathews hit 40 or more home runs in Milwaukee, including his first season in 1953, when the Santa Barbara, California native hit 47 homers, drove in 135 runs and hit .302.

From 1962 through 1965 with the Braves in Milwaukee, Mathews was still very solid. Over those four years, No. 41 averaged 27 homers per season and drove in an average of 86 runs per year. The batting average for Mathews over that time was .253.

In just his time in Milwaukee, Mathews hit 452 homers and drove in 1,277 runs. Mathews was also a 12-time All-Star. Twice Mathews led the National League in homers and four times he led the NL in walks.

Mathews never won a Gold Glove at third base, but he led the NL in putouts twice and was in the top three in that category nine times. Plus, Mathews also led the NL in assists three times.

Eddie was a key part of the Milwaukee teams that made it to back-to-back World Series in 1957 and 1958.

In the 1957 World Series versus the New York Yankees, Mathews hit the game-winning homer in the 10th inning of Game 4, as No. 41 hit a two-run shot to even the series at two games apiece. And it was Mathews who made the final putout in Game 7 at Yankee Stadium when the Braves won the World Series.

Mathews won another World Series ring when he was with the Detroit Tigers in 1968, which was the final season of the great MLB career of Mathews.

When it was all said and done, Mathews had hit 512 home runs, drove in 1,453 runs and hit .271. The strikeout to walk ratio for Mathews was almost identical, as he walked 1,444 times and struck out 1,487 times.

Dad took me to see the Braves a couple dozen times at County Stadium. At one of the very first games I went to, just before my 5th birthday in 1962, I saw Mathews and his dynamic duo partner Aaron, each homer, as Spahn got the win.

The thing I remember so vividly seeing the Braves at County Stadium is the loud ovation that both Mathews and Aaron would get when they would come to the plate. Many times, that ovation would come while people were standing.

The fans in Milwaukee definitely appreciated what Mathews and Aaron had done for the Braves. As I mentioned earlier, Mathews hit 452 homers while he was with the Braves in Milwaukee. Aaron hit 398 of his career homers while he was with the Braves in Beer City.

That’s a combined 850 homers.

Let’s just look at the production those two had from 1956 through 1959. The Braves finished one game behind the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1956 for the NL pennant. The Braves did win the NL pennant and the World Series in 1957. The Braves once again won the NL pennant in 1958, but lost in the World Series to the Yankees in seven games. In 1959, the Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers tied for the NL pennant at the end of the season, but the Braves lost to the Dodgers in a best of three playoff.

• In 1956, Mathews hit 37 homers, drove in 95 runs and hit .272
• In 1956, Aaron hit 26 homers, drove in 92 runs and hit .328
• In 1957, Mathews hit 32 homers, drove in 94 runs and hit .292
• In 1957, Aaron hit 44 homers, drove in 132 runs and hit .322
• In 1958, Mathews hit 31 homers, drove in 77 runs and hit .251
• In 1958, Aaron hit 30 homers, drove in 95 runs and hit .326
• In 1959, Mathews hit 46 homers, drove in 114 runs and hit .306
• In 1959, Aaron hit 39 homers, drove in 123 runs and hit .355

Back to the Eddie Mathews baseball my dad once caught and had signed by No. 41 himself. One day, like many other days we had done this, dad and I played catch with this prized baseball in the front yard. We didn’t do anything crazy when we would toss the ball back to each other. But on one throw, dad’s toss was “just a bit outside” as Bob Uecker once said as Harry Doyle in the movie Major League.

The ball got by me and went into the street and then down a sewer. Dad wanted to cry and I did cry. Even though it was dad’s bad throw that caused the ball to go down the sewer, karma came back to bite me a couple of years later on that same front lawn in Milwaukee. This time, dad and I were throwing the football around. On one toss, dad threw a deep pass in the same direction where the sewer was and I caught the ball in stride. Unfortunately, I also ran into a fire hydrant that sat on the corner of our lawn at almost full speed. Fortunately, I didn’t break anything, but I was bruised and sore for quite a while.

Speaking of dad and I, one of the last times we saw the Braves at County Stadium occurred on “Bat Day” on August 8, 1965. I still have the Joe Torre bat that I received that day, as the Braves swept a doubleheader from the Houston Astros in front of 20,882 of us.

In Game 1, Mathews was just sensational, as No. 41 went 3-for-4, hit two homers and drove in six runs, as the Braves beat the Astros 8-5. Aaron also went 2-for-4 in that game and drove in a run. In Game 2, Mathews went 2-for-4 and drove in another run, plus the man whose bat I had, Torre, hit a homer, as the Braves won 8-3.

Little did I know that I would someday be able to interview Mathews like I did at the 1983 MLB All-Star game at Comiskey Park. Talk about feeling like a kid in a candy store.

Mathews was honored for his great MLB career five years earlier, when he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1978. Four years later, Aaron would join Mathews by getting a plaque at Cooperstown.

The memories of seeing those two as a youngster is something I will never forget.

There are a Number of Reasons Why Aaron Rodgers Should Play for the Green Bay Packers in 2021

Count me as one of those folks who believe Aaron Rodgers will play for the Green Bay Packers in 2021. And yes, beyond this upcoming season as well. The recent comments by former teammates and friends of No. 12 certainly didn’t discourage my thinking. Last week both John Kuhn and James Jones said the situation between Rodgers and the Packers can be resolved. “I speak with Aaron all the time,” Jones said last week on NFL Network. “It has nothing to do with getting the GM fired. It has nothing to do with a new contract and getting money…I think it’s fixable.” Yesterday, Kuhn reiterated what he said last week.

“I’m sure contract is part of that,” Kuhn said on NFL Network. “I’m sure that years guaranteed is a part of that. Not just being a highest-paid quarterback or the highest paid at your position. But I believe the security going forward is a part of that, and I also believe being on the same page as having open communication where all sides feel like they are being heard. Aaron and I are friends. We spent a decade of our lives together in the same meeting rooms, on the same practice field. So we do talk. And quite frankly this is something that I believe is fixable.”

Besides myself, the schedule-makers in the NFL also believe Rodgers will play for the Packers in 2021, as the Packers will be playing in five primetime games, plus another on Christmas Day.

There are a number of reasons why Rodgers should be back to play for the Packers in 2021. For one, in 2020, Rodgers had the best season of his 16-year career, when he threw 48 touchdown passes versus just five interceptions for 4,299 yards. No. 12’s passer rating was 121.5. That performance led to Rodgers receiving the NFL MVP award for the third time.

Plus, the Packers have been to two straight NFC title games. The Pack has been knocking hard on the Super Bowl door. There is no reason why Green Bay should not be in the NFC championship game again if Rodgers is on the roster.

Rodgers enjoys playing for head coach Matt LaFleur. Granted, it appears his relationship with general manager Brian Gutekunst is certainly strained, but Gutekunst made getting a talented slot receiver (Amari Rodgers) in the 2021 NFL draft a priority, as well as enhancing the depth on the offensive line by selecting three big men (Josh Myers, Royce Newman and Cole Van Lanen) who excelled in the trenches when they played college ball.

Plus, Gutekunst brought back Pro Bowl running back Aaron Jones, when he re-signed No. 33 to a four-year deal worth $48 million. In addition, Rodgers also knows that he passes to the top wide receiver in the NFL when he throws to Davante Adams. All No. 17 did in 2020 was to catch 115 passes for 1,374 and 18 touchdowns.

But there are other reasons why Rodgers should be back in 2021. And these might be at the top of the list for No. 12. Why? The legacy Rodgers has created for himself in Green Bay is very important to him.

Right now, in terms of years of service with the Packers, Bart Starr, along with Brett Favre and Rodgers, all played 16 years in Green Bay. By playing in 2021, Rodgers will be alone on the mountain top in terms of years (17) played with the Pack.

Plus, there is the comparison to Favre. Both Brett and Aaron are three-time NFL MVP winners, plus both led the Packers to a Super Bowl victory. Currently, Favre is the all-time leader in touchdown passes for the Packers, as No. 4 threw 442 of them in the 16 seasons he played with the Pack.

The career touchdown pass total now sits at 412 for Rodgers. No. 12 could easily become the all-time leader in touchdown passes for the Packers in 2021.

In addition to that, Favre won 12 postseason games for the Packers in his career in Green Bay. Rodgers has won 11 postseason games. Overtaking Favre in postseason wins would be another important addition to his legacy in Green Bay.

Winning another Super Bowl would be the delicious icing on the cake.

Bottom line, as I have noted, there are a number of reasons why Rodgers should be back with the Packers in 2021 and beyond. Like Kuhn and Jones, I believe that things can be set right between No. 12 and the Packers. Rodgers is a fan of the film, The Big Lebowski. For those of you who have seen the movie, it was the rug that tied the room together for the Dude (Jeff Bridges).

Rodgers is the player who ties things together for the Packers. And the many positive reasons why Rodgers should be back in Green Bay enhances that connection.

The Incredible MLB Career of Warren Spahn

This year has been a tough one for people who love the game of baseball. In January, Hank Aaron, perhaps the greatest player to ever play in MLB, passed away. Four days before that, another Hall of Famer, Don Sutton, passed on. Earlier this week, Del Crandall who was a teammate of Hammerin’ Hank with the Milwaukee Braves, passed away.

The losses of these great players got me thinking about when I first saw my love for baseball blossom. It was all because of Norm Fox, my dad. It seemed like every night at the dinner table, dad would educate me about the sports teams in Wisconsin. He would talk about the Green Bay Packers, the Wisconsin Badgers, the Marquette Warriors (now Golden Eagles) and also the Milwaukee Braves.

Dad really loved talking about the Braves. He often focused on the 1957 season, which just happened to be the year I was born. He told me about all the players on that team, but he mostly focused on players like Aaron, Crandall, Eddie Mathews, Joe Adcock, Johnny Logan, Lew Burdette, Bob Buhl and Warren Spahn.

Boy, did dad love Spahn, who passed away in 2003. In fact, of the couple dozen games that dad took me as a kid to County Stadium to see the Braves, Spahn was often the pitcher. In fact, one of the first games that I remember going to happened 11 days before my 5th birthday on May 18, 1962. The Braves were taking on the expansion New York Mets. Spahn went the distance, as the Braves won 3-2. No. 21 allowed just three hits, plus I was able to see Aaron, Mathews and Mack Jones all homer for the Braves.

I think the thing I remember most about going to my first game at County Stadium was walking up the ramp and seeing the field under the lights for the first time. It was just a phenomenal feeling as a youngster to see that. Plus, I just loved the uniforms of the Braves. But the best part was the thrill of seeing future Hall of Famers like Spahn, Aaron and Mathews.

When dad would talk to me about Spahn, he mentioned a game he would never forget. It was August 11, 1961. Unfortunately, I was not with dad at this game. This was the game when Warren won his 300th game at County Stadium in front of 40,775 fans, which included dad and a couple of his brothers. As per usual, Spahnie went the distance, as he allowed just one run on six hits, plus struck out five, as the Braves beat the Chicago Cubs 2-1. Man, I wish I could have been there for that game!

When dad would talk about Spahn, he would go back to when it all started for Warren, back when the Braves were still in Boston. Spahn’s first year in MLB was in 1942 and he just pitched in four games. From 1943 through 1945, Spahn was in United States Army and served his country with honor. He saw action in the Battle of the Bulge and also was a combat engineer at the Ludendorff Bridge. Because of his distinctive service, Spahn was awarded a Purple Heart, as well as a battlefield commission.

Dad always talked about Spahn’s service, as he too served his county with the United States Navy in World War II in the Pacific. In addition to that, his younger brother Bob (who I am named after) also won a Purple Heart. Tragically, Bob was killed in Korea just weeks before he was set to come home.

After his service in World War II, Spahn just had an incredible MLB career. From 1946 through 1952, Spahn pitched for the Braves in Boston. No. 21 won 122 games for Boston, which included four seasons of 20 or more wins. Spahn and fellow pitcher Johnny Sain led the Braves to the 1948 World Series against the Cleveland Indians, but lost 4 games to 2. Spahn was 1-1 in that World Series, with his win coming against fellow Hall of Famer Bob Feller in Game 5.

The Braves moved to Milwaukee in 1953 and became one of the best teams in the National League throughout the rest of the decade. The Braves averaged 90 wins per year from 1953 through 1959 and Spahn was a big reason why. Only once did Spahn not win at least 20 games for the Braves in Milwaukee in the ’50s and he won 17 that year (1955). Other than that, Spahn won 20 or more games in 1953 (23), 1954 (21), 1956 (20), 1957 (21), 1958 (22) and 1959 (21). Spahn also won the Cy Young Award in 1957.

The Braves played in two World Series in the ’50s, the 1957 and 1958 World Series. The Braves won the 1957 World Series behind the great pitching of Burdette, who won three games, while Spahn won the other game, as the Braves beat the New York Yankees 4 games to 3. In the 1958 World Series, the Braves faced the Yanks again and Spahn won two games, but the Yankees came back from a 3 games to 1 deficit and won the World Series in 7 games.

In 1959, the Braves tied for the National League pennant with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but lost in a playoff series.

In the 1960’s in Milwaukee, the Braves were still a good team, but were no longer viable contenders. Spahn continued his great pitching, as he won 21 games in 1960, 21 games in 1961, 18 games in 1962 and 23 games in 1963. Spahn also pitched two no-hit games (the only ones of his career), one in 1960 versus the Philadelphia Phillies at County Stadium and the other in 1961 versus the San Francisco Giants, also at County Stadium.

The catcher who caught Spahn the most in his career was Crandall, who caught No. 21 316 times. But another catcher caught him on a very special occasion in 1962. I’m talking about Bob Uecker. The date was September 29th and Ueck caught Spahn’s 327th career victory, which which broke Eddie Plank’s record for the most victories by a left-hander. Uecker even went 3-for-4 with three singles, driving in two runs in the 7-3 triumph over the Pittsburgh Pirates at County Stadium.

It was during the 1963 season, when there was the game I fell asleep listening to on my transistor radio when I was six years old. The Braves were playing the San Francisco Giants at Candlestick Park. That game turned out to be the greatest starting pitching matchup of all time. The game went into the 16th inning as Spahn faced Juan Marichal of the Giants. Both pitchers went the distance as well. Spahn went 15.1 innings and allowed just nine hits and a home run to the great Willie Mays in the bottom of the 16th inning, as the Giants won 1-0. Spahn threw 201 pitches in the game. Marichal went 16 complete innings and allowed eight hits without giving up a run. Marichal threw 227 pitches.

Spahn’s last year in Milwaukee was 1964, when he went 6-13. After the season, the Mets purchased the contract of Spahn and he split the ’65 season playing for the Mets and the Giants and went 7-16.

But what what a MLB career Spahnie had! Just look at these mind-boggling stats.

• 363 career wins vs. 245 losses
• Career ERA of 3.09
• Won three ERA titles
• 13 seasons of 20 or more wins
• 63 shutouts
• 382 complete games
• 12 seasons of 20 or more complete games
• 1957 Cy Young Award
• 1957 World Series Champion
• 17 All-Star games
• 363 career base hits
• 35 career home runs
• 186 career RBIs

Yes, Spahn could hit too, as you can see by the stats. I witnessed two of his 35 career homers at County Stadium. Bottom line, Spahn could do it all. In my humble opinion, I believe Spahn is the greatest lefty in the history of MLB, with apologies to Lefty Grove, Sandy Koufax and Whitey Ford.

Spahn has been honored for his achievements in baseball, as he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1973. In Milwaukee he was also honored, as he is a member of the Walk of Fame at American Family Field, which honors members of the Milwaukee Braves and Milwaukee Brewers.

The inductees are Hank Aaron (2001), Rollie Fingers (2001), Paul Molitor (2001), Robin Yount (2001), Cecil Cooper (2002), Allan H. “Bud” Selig (2002), Harry Dalton (2003), Bob Uecker (2003), Jim Gantner (2004), Gorman Thomas (2004), Harvey Kuenn (2005), Don Money (2005), Eddie Mathews (2007), John Quinn (2007), Warren Spahn (2007), Lew Burdette (2010), Johnny Logan (2013), Teddy Higuera (2015), Joe Adcock (2016) and Geoff Jenkins (2018).

The memories I have of going to games at County Stadium to see the Braves as a youngster and then later the Brewers, who I also covered for four years, will be something I will never forget. Nor will I forget the many times I was able to see Spahn pitch with my dad. Those memories will always stay with me.

The Myth of Putting the Blame On Aaron Rodgers in the 4 NFC Title Game Losses by the Green Bay Packers

While, it’s true that the Green Bay Packers are 1-4 in NFC title games with Aaron Rodgers playing quarterback, the myth about blaming No. 12 for the losses is truly laughable.

The first loss, the 28-22 overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks was just a total failure by all phases of the football team over the last five minutes of the game. I would put the majority of the blame on both the defense, who had played brilliantly up until that time and the special teams units of the Packers.

The Packers had a number of opportunities where they could have basically ended the game with just one play before then. For instance, safety Morgan Burnett went to the ground after an interception, when it looked like he had a good chance to run the pick back deep into Seattle territory (perhaps even a touchdown) which would have clinched the game.

Still, even with that mistake, the Packers could have won on offense by just getting one more first down. Instead of allowing Rodgers, the MVP of the league in 2014 to throw the ball at least one time, head coach Mike McCarthy instead had the Packers run it three straight times when getting a first down basically would have ended the game. The Packers didn’t get the needed first down.

It led to a Seattle touchdown after the ensuing punt.

Then came the onside kick debacle. Instead of blocking like he was supposed to do, so Jordy Nelson could catch the ball, Brandon Bostick tried to be a hero and catch the ball himself. He didn’t and the Seahawks recovered.

Seattle scored again and were now up by three points. The Packers had to drive down the field to tie the game with a Mason Crosby field goal. McCarthy had no choice but to allow Rodgers to throw the ball in that situation and No. 12 quickly got the Packers in field goal position.

The Packers did indeed tie the game but lost in overtime.

Then how about the 2016 NFC title game? It’s hard to win when your defense gives up 44 points. But that’s what the Green Bay defense gave up to the Atlanta Falcons in the 44-21 loss. The defense also gave up 493 total yards. Rodgers threw for 287 yards and had three touchdown passes versus one interception. The passer rating for Rodgers that day was 91.6.

Then there was the 2019 NFC title game against the San Francisco 49ers. Again, the defense of the Packers was gashed, as they gave up 37 points to the Niners, as well as 285 yards rushing. Rodgers threw for 326 yards and had two touchdown passes versus two picks as the Packers scored 20 points in a game. The passer rating for Rodgers was 97.2.

Then is the 2020 NFC title game at Lambeau Field, the defense allowed 31 points, although two of those scores were set up on turnovers. One on a interception by Rodgers (on a clear defensive holding call that wasn’t flagged) and one on a fumble by running back Aaron Jones. Rodgers threw for 346 yards and had three touchdown passes vs. that one pick. The passer rating for Rodgers was 101.6.

Oh, by the way, the passer rating of Tom Brady of the Bucs was 73.8, as Tom Terrific threw three picks to go along with his three touchdown passes. But Tom was the winner and so goes the glory.

Bottom line, it’s tough to win a NFC title game when your defense gives up an average of 35 points a game in the last four NFC title games the Packers appeared in.

Brady has played in 14 AFC or NFC title games. His record is 10-4. The defenses he played with allowed less than 21 points per game in those title games.

That’s two touchdowns less than what Rodgers had to overcome on average in the past four NFC championship games he appeared in.

Also, Rodgers has a postseason passer rating of 100.5, which is fourth all time in NFL history. Brady has a postseason passer rating of 90.4, which is 15th all time. So why the seven Super Bowl wins by Brady and only one for Rodgers? Just look at the defenses and the special teams that both played with during that time.

In fact, let’s really look at the defenses that played behind Brady when he won his seven Super Bowls. In each one of those seasons, the team defenses on his team were all in the top 10 in the NFL. Twice, the defenses were ranked No. 1. When Rodgers won Super Bowl XLV, the defense of the Packers was ranked No. 2.

When the Packers lost the 2014 NFC title game, the Green Bay defense was ranked 14th. When the Packers lost the 2016 NFC title game, the Green Bay defense was ranked 21st. When the Packers lost the 2019 NFC title game, the Green Bay defense was ranked 18th. When the Packers lost the 2020 NFC title game, the Green Bay defense was ranked 9th in total defense.

Bottom line, when NFL teams win championship games, more times than not, all three phases of that team will play well. But that has not been the case with Rodgers in the four NFC title games he has lost. It’s very difficult to win when your defense gives up an average of 35 points per game, not too mention multiple special teams gaffes.

But that is what Rodgers had to deal with in his four NFC title game losses.

A Scout’s Take on the 2021 Draft Class for the Green Bay Packers

Yes, the 2021 NFL draft is finally over. But that was not the big story in Green Bay or the NFL. No, the big news was about a disgruntled three-time NFL MVP who has won a Super Bowl for the Green Bay Packers. No, I’m not talking about quarterback Brett Favre, who was involved in a similar drama in 2008. In 2021, it’s about quarterback Aaron Rodgers. On the first day of the NFL draft on Thursday April 29th, multiple stories…er…leaks…came out about No. 12’s unhappiness regarding the current situation in Titletown.

The timing of these leaks…er…articles…couldn’t have come at a more impactful moment regarding the NFL on the first day of the 2021 draft. Obviously something is amiss here between Rodgers and the Packers. That being said, I believe something will get worked out.

Rodgers is very cognizant about his standing in Packer Nation and based on the many negative posts I have seen written about him over the past couple of days by followers of the Packers, I believe Aaron realizes that he and his agent David Dunn better get this brush fire under control and get things resolved somewhat quickly.

But I digress, this article is about the 2021 draft class of the Packers. In this piece, NFL scout Chris Landry will give a scouting report on each of the players who general manager Brian Gutekunst and his scouting staff have drafted for the Packers.

One of those players is Amari Rodgers, who I had the Packers taking in my final mock draft.

Round 1: Cornerback Eric Stokes (Georgia)

Height: 6’1″

Weight: 194 pounds

Chris Landry’s scouting report:

A two-year starter at Georgia, Stokes lined up at right cornerback in head coach Kirby Smart’s 3-3-5 base scheme, seeing time inside and outside. After moving to cornerback as a senior in high school, he quickly adapted to the position in the SEC, impressing the coaches with his ability to apply coaching and trust his skill set. Stokes enjoyed his best season in 2020 with four interceptions and allowing only 38.5% completions when targeted. Stokes has elite NFL play speed and won’t lose many foot races. He uses body control, patience and footwork to stay square and in phase. While his competitiveness downfield is a positive trait, he panics at times and needs to be more subtle with his contact (nine penalties in college). Overall, Stokes must correct his play recognition and transition flaws, but his size, speed and promising ball awareness are undeniable and scheme-versatile traits that will help him compete for starting reps early in his NFL career.

Round 2: Center Josh Myers (Ohio State)

Height: 6’5″

Weight: 310 pounds

Chris Landry’s scouting report:

A two-year starter at Ohio State, Myers was the center in head coach Ryan Day’s offense. He served as a backup guard and center in 2018 before earning the starting center job in 2019, starting 21 games there the last two seasons. Myers is a square, instinctive blocker with the core strength and competitive juices that allow him to consistently finish blocks. A guard in a run-only offense in high school, he is still developing his pass protection skills and will struggle at times vs. quickhanded rushers. Overall, Myers isn’t an elite athlete for the position and needs to cut back on the aggressive leaning, but he brings the desired levels of toughness, smarts and execution. He projects as a starter in the NFL at a guard or center.

Round 3: Wide Receiver Amari Rodgers (Clemson)

Height: 5′ 9 1/2″

Weight: 212 pounds

Chris Landry’s scouting report:

A three-year starter at Clemson, Rodgers lined up primarily in the slot in offensive coordinator Tony Elliott’s shotgun spread scheme, moving around the formation and thriving on quick targets (screens, sweeps, etc.). He was Trevor Lawrence’s favorite receiver in 2020 and finished his career No. 6 in school history with 181 catches. Rodgers is very natural catching the ball in stride and seamlessly becoming a ball carrier, and there is a rumble pack on the clicker when you watch his tape because you feel his play strength and toughness. He has elusive feet to shake defenders and settle in zones, but he still requires maturation as a downfield route runner. Overall, Rodgers might struggle to win on the outside vs. NFL corners, but he is a cranked-up competitor with the play strength, instincts and acceleration similar to Deebo Samuel. He projects as a versatile starting slot receiver with special teams skills.

Round 4: Offensive Lineman Royce Newman (Mississippi)

Height: 6’5″

Weight: 310 pounds

Chris Landry’s scouting report:

A two-year starter at Ole Miss, Newman lined up at right tackle in head coach Lane Kiffin’s up-tempo spread offense. He was a blocking tight end in high school before playing both guard spots as a junior for the Rebels, moving outside to tackle as a senior. With only 22 career starts in college, Newman is still developing the tricks of the trade, but he does a great job staying on time with his eyes, feet, and body movements. He relies more on angles than power and is more of a get-in-the-way blocker than a mauler. Overall, Newman doesn’t have overwhelming physicality or play strength, but he is quick off the ball with efficient setup and execution to stay square with defenders. He projects as a prospect with four-position (RT, LG, RG, OC) versatility.

Round 5: Nose Tackle Tedarrell Slaton (Florida)

Height: 6’4″

Weight: 330 pounds

Chris Landry’s scouting report:

A one-year starter at Florida, Slaton played nose tackle in defensive coordinator Todd Grantham’s even and odd fronts. He was the highest-ranked recruit in the Gators’ 2017 class (ahead of C.J. Henderson and Kadarius Toney), although his college career was a slow ascent as he adapted to the defensive line after playing primarily on offense in high school. Slaton carries his weight like a smaller player while flashing the raw strength to stay underneath blocks and find the football. His senior tape showed a more mature player, but his shed timing, gap leverage and overall consistency require further development. Overall, Slaton is a massive athlete with the raw power, promising technique and two-gap potential to be an intriguing project for an NFL defensive line coach.

Round 5: Cornerback Shemar Jean-Charles (Appalachian State)

Height: 5’10”

Weight: 184 pounds

Chris Landry’s scouting report:

A two-year starter at Appalachian State, Jean-Charles played both left and right cornerback on defensive coordinator Dale Jones’ scheme. After two years as a subpackage corner, he became a starter as a junior and logged 27 passes defended over 26 games the last two seasons, including an FBS-best 17 passes defended in 2020. Jean-Charles plays with confidence and route anticipation, which allows his instincts and preparation to kick in, leading him to plays. He will struggle to recover after a misstep and needs to eliminate the panic plays. Overall, Jean-Charles doesn’t have an elite size/speed/strength profile, but he is a “right place, right time” type of player and stays balanced in coverage to disrupt passing lanes.

Round 6: Offensive Lineman Cole Van Lanen (Wisconsin)

Height: 6’4″

Weight: 305 pounds

Chris Landry’s scouting report:

Cole Van Lanen was a two-time First Team All-State offensive tackle at Bay Port High School and won the discus and shot put titles at the 2015 state meet. He was a U.S. Army All-American and four-star recruit, committing to Wisconsin over Iowa and Michigan. Van Lanen became the Badgers’ starting left tackle as a junior and started 19 total games, earning All-Big Ten honors as a junior and senior. He played better on his 2020 film compared to his 2019 tape, but there still are several areas he needs to clean up. Van Lanen is a determined run blocker with the hand strength to turn defenders and the natural momentum to strike and widen lanes. In pass protection, he has a patient, stout punch, but his slide mechanics and footwork are choppy, diminishing his functional mirroring skills in space. Overall, Van Lanen is smart and physical, but his average length and balance issues will push him inside to guard for some teams. He projects as a possible backup.

Round 6: Linebacker Isaiah McDuffie (Boston College)

Height: 6’1″

Weight: 227 pounds

Chris Landry’s scouting report:

 A three-year starter at Boston College, McDuffie played weakside linebacker in head coach Jeff Hafley’s 4-3 base scheme. After missing most of the 2019 season with a knee injury, he returned strong in 2020 and finished fifth in the FBS with 107 total tackles, averaging 9.7 tackles per game. A run-and-hit style defender, McDuffie is an alert, determined chaser who looks to tune up his target. However, he needs to improve in coverage and struggles to match up against climbing blockers with his average size. Overall, McDuffie needs to play with better discipline, but he only knows one speed and flies around the field with a touch of insanity to him. He projects as a special teamer and linebacker depth.

Round 7: Running Back Kylin Hill (Mississippi State)

Height: 5′ 10 1/2″

Weight: 214 pounds

Chris Landry’s scouting report:

A three-year starter at Mississippi State, Hill was consistently productive for three different head coaches (and three different offensive systems) over his four years in Starkville. He led SEC running backs in rushing yards per game (103.8) in 2019, set a school record with four 150-yard rushing games and was expected to be a central piece of new head coach Mike Leach’s offense in 2020. But the two butted heads, resulting in a suspension and Hill opting out after only three games. Hill is a tough, angry runner with the foot quickness to dart through or away from trouble. While eager to attack the defense, he has a bad habit of relying more on his aggressive nature instead of trusting his vision. Overall, Hill’s run tempo and emotional maturity will be put under the microscope during the draft process, but he offers the agility, determination and pass-catching skills to be a productive piece of a running back rotation in the NFL.